Coin counting apparatus



March 15, 1966 MlKlo KAMEI COIN COUNTING APPARATUS 2 Sheets-Sheet 1Filed Feb. 14, 1964 E RM N OA on TK O N E0 T VII um m M March 15, 1966MlKlo KAME] 3,240,215

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C H64. C7 2 10b 33b 31b 32h Q i E 70a 1 53 53 F/GS E il 4 Y \'I\v 3 fW\\ INVENTOR NIKIO KAMEI .er g%+cm ATTORNEYS United States Patent O M3,240,215 COIN CUNTING APPARATUS Mikie Kamei, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan,assigner to Tateisi Denki Kabushikikaisha, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan, acorporation of Japan Filed Feb. 14, 1964, Ser. No. 344,905 Claimspriority, application Japan, Feb. 22, 1963, S18/9,099 '7 Claims. (Cl.13S-8) This invention relates to a coin counting apparatus, and moreparticularly to an apparatus for counting the number of coins, in whichas coins to be counted are successively introduced, they are arrangededge to edge and substantially in a plane, and electrical connectionthere between is utilized for counting the number of the coins.

In automatic ven-ding machines in which coins of different denominationsmay be introduced, it is necessary to separate the coins according totheir denominations and separately count the number of coins of eachdenomination or to select among the coins those of a predetermineddenomination and count the number thereof. In either case, it isrequired in view of the nature and function of the vending machine thatthe counting mechanism employed therein be quick and accurate inoperation and simple in construction.

In one well known mechanism of the type, coins that have been introducedthereinto are held for a while in a slit provided with a number ofmicroswitches so that each coin actuates each microswitch. Thearrangement, however, not only results in the bulky size of the wholemechanism because it requires a number of microswitches and,consequently, a relatively large space for their installation, but alsolacks in quickness in counting operation because it takes quite a timeto clear the slit of the coins after the counting has been finished.

Accordingly, the principal object of the invention is to provide a newand improved mechanism which is capable of counting the number of coinsheld in a slit and which is speedy in operation and very simple inconstruction. The apparatus of the invention depends for its operationupon electrical conductivity of coins to be counted, the arrangementbeing simply such that the coins are piled up edge upon edge in a plane,preferably vertical, within a slit provided for the purpose. Switchessuch as microswitches can be dispensed with and, consequently, no spaceneed be reserved for installing such switches, resulting in a greatreduction in the size of the whole structure.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved coinclearing mechanism of very simple construction which is capable ofspeedily and easily clearing of the space those coins held therein forcounting when the counting operation has been finished. The apparatus ofthe invention is provided with a space or slit, dened at both sides bytwo spaced wall members, preferably vertical, and adapted to receivecoins to he counted and hold them therein for a little while forcounting. While thus held, the coins are piled up periphery uponperiphery in a zigzag way and in such a manner as to be substantiallyincluded in a plane, and in this position the coins are held orsupported by electrically conductive engaging members or rods projectingacross the space or slit. Therefore, by withdrawing the engaging rodsfrom their coin-holding position, the coins held thereby may be releasedtherefrom to freely fall by gravity, and no energy, aside from that forsuch withdrawal of the engaging rods, need be externally given to makethe coins fall.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed Patented Mar. i5, 1966 ICCdescription of some embodiments thereof with reference to theaccompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals denote like partsand wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of the apparatus of the invention, with a portionof the front cover plate broken away to show the inside thereof;

FIG. 2 is a sectional side view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a counting circuit to be employed in theinvention;

FIG. 4 is a Wiring diagram of another counting circuit to be employed inthe invention; and

FIG. 5 is a sectional side view similar to FIG. 2 but showing a part ofanother embodiment of the invention.

The apparatus of the invention comprises a space or slit adapted toreceive coins to be counted, a plurality of electrically conductiveengaging members projecting across the slit so as to engage and hold thecoins, and means for counting the number of electrical signals producedas electrical connection between each pair of the engaging members isestablished.

Referring now in detail first to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a spaceor slit 1 defined at both sides by a main wall plate 2 and a front coverplate 3 separated therefrom by a distance somewhat greater than thethickness of coins to be inserted. The plates 2 and 3 and, consequently,the slit 1 are shown standing vertical. This is most preferable, but itmay be inclined either side so long as the inclination is such as topermit coins held therein to fall by gravity when they are released, aswill be described later. The two plates 2 and 3 are incorporated attheir upper ends and pivoted `on shifts `'l'. Coins to be counted of oneand the same denomination are introduced into the slit 1 through itsupper opening.

In automatic vending machines, the arrangement may be such that amongthose mixed coins which have been introduced thereinto only genuine onesare selected and then sent into a separator, where they are separatedaccording to their denominations, after which coins of each denominationor those of a predetermined denomination are counted. The slit 1 of theinvention may be associated with the exit of such a coil separator.

The main wall plate 2 is provided adjacent its lower end with a pair ofholes 4 and 5a and above these holes a plurality of holes as at 5b, 5c,5a' and Se. The number of the latter holes may vary, depending on howmany coins are to be held in the slit. The holes 4 and 5a are preferablyhorizontally spaced apart, while the latter four holes 5b, 5c, 5d and 5eare arranged in a zigzag way. By in a zigzag way I mean this: On thesurface of the main plate 2, from the central point of the hole 5aupward, draw a zigzag line having a plurality, say, three turning pointsand terminating in a fourth point, the five points being equidistantlyspaced apart. Then form the four holes 5b, 5c, 5a' and Se at the latterfour points, respectively, and they will be arranged in a zigzag way.

In the front cover plate 3, corresponding respective-ly to holes 4, 5a,5b, Sc, 5d and 5e, there are formed six holes, of which holes 6a, 6c and6e only are shown in FIG. 2, At the back of the main plate 2 andparallelly therewith, there is another vertical plate 8 pivoted at itsupper end on shafts 7' and provided with a plurality of engagingmembers, here shown in the form of six pins or rods 9, 10a, 1Gb, 10c,19d and 16e corresponding respectively to the holes formed in the mainplate 2 and the front cover plate 3. The rods are made of electricallyconductive material, each being intended to function as an electricalterminal as will be described later, and projecting laterally across thespace or slit 1 through its corresponding hole in the plate 2 into itscorresponding hole in the cover plate 3. Each of the rods iseiectrically insulated from the others by either making the rear plate 8of insulating material or insulating the plate 8 from each of the rods.It is also required that when the rods are inserted through theirrespective holes in the plates 2 and 3, they are not electricallyconnected to the plates. To meet the requirement, the plates 2 and 3 maybe made of insulating material, or the inner lateral surfaces of theholes formed therein may be coated with any suitable insulatingmaterial, or their diameter may be made large enough to avoid contact ofthe rods with the inner lateral surfaces of the holes when the formerare inserted into the latter.

The distance between the rods 9 and 10a is somewhat smaller than thediameter of coins to be handled, and the distance between eachneighboring two (on the zigzag line) of the rods 1011 to 10e is somewhatsmaller than twice the diameter of the coins. When several coins aredropped one after another into the slit 1, the first coin C1 is arrestedby the rods 9 and 10a so as to be held there; the next coin C2 engagesthe periphery of the previous coin C1 and also the rod 10b to be heldabove the coin C1 somewhat to the right, as viewed in FIG. 1; and in asimilar manner, the third coin C3 is held above the coin C2 somewhat tothe left, the fourth coin C4 above the coin C3 somewhat to the rightagain, and the fifth coin C above the coin C4 to the left. Even if asixth coin happens to fall in to hit on the periphery of the previouscoin C5, there is no more rod to support it so that it will be divertedthrough an opening 11 provided in the side wall 2 of the plate 2. Inthis manner, five coins, and not more than that, are piled up edge uponedge, arranged in a zigzag way and substantially included in a verticalplane. The number of coins to be held in the slit 1 may of course bevaried as occasions demand.

It may happen that a coin having fallen into the slit 1 hits on thepreviously held coin to rebound therefrom to fly out either side throughthe space between the rods. To avoid such a trouble, a plurality, say,four projections 12a, 12b, 12C and 12d are provided across the slit 1inter mediate of each vertically adjacent two of the rods 9, a to 10e.

The cover plate 3 is provided on its outer surface with a bracket 14, towhich is pivoted at 13 an armature 1S of an electromagnet whose coil 16is connected through a normally open switch 18 to a suitable source ofelectricity 19. When the switch 18 is closed, the coil 16 is energizedto attract the armature in the direction of the arrow X, thereby causingthe plates 2 and 3 to slightly pivot about the shafts 7. Similarly, theplate 8 is provided on its outer surface with a bracket 21, to which ispivotally connected at 20 an armature 22 of an electromagnet whose coil23 is connected through a normally open switch 24 to a suitable source25. When the switch 24 is closed, the coil 23 is excited to attract thearmature 22 in the direction of the arrow Y, whereupon the plate 8slightly pivots about the shaft 7 in the opposite direction to that inwhich the plates 2 and 3 are moved. Upon pivotal movement of the plates2, 3 or the plate 8, the rods 9 and 10a to 10e are drawn out from theirrespective holes in the plates 2 and 3 and, consequently, from theirrespective coin-holding positions across the slit 1.

Directly under the lower and opening of the slit 1, there is provided apassage 26 for coins to drop into after the counting operation has beenfinished. Alongside the passage 26 there is provided another passage 27the upper opening of which is positioned directly under the lower endopening of the slit 1 when the plates 2 and 3 have been moved togetherin the above mentioned manner.

Turning now to FIG. 3, wherein a counting device is shown in blockdiagram by way of example, the rods 10a to 10e, each made ofelectrically conductive material and intended to work as an electricalterminal, are connected to the inputs of well known amplifiers 31a, 31h,31C, 31d and 31e through leads 32a, 32h, 32e, 32d and 32e, respectively.The rod 9 is grounded, and thence further connected to the amplifiers.The output sides of the amplifiers are all connected to the input of aknown counting device 34 through leads 33a, 33b, 33e, 33d and 33e,respectively. The arrangement of the device 34 may be such that itcounts the number of output signals produced by the amplifiers, and whena predetermined number has been counted, it produces a signal at itsoutput 35.

According to the invention, the counting operation is performed asfollows. When the coin C1 first to have fallen into the slit 1 has beenarrested by the rods 9 and 10a, electrical connection between the tworods is established through the coin itself to complete the circuit tothe amplifier 31a, whereupon the amplifier produces a signal at itsoutput 33a, which will be transmitted to the counter 34. When the secondcoin C2 has been held between the rod 10b and the periphery of the firstcoin C1, the rods 9 and 10b are short-circuited through the two coins C1and C2 so that the amplifier 311) produces a signal, which will beapplied to the counter 34. In a similar manner, the coins C3, C4 and C5successively introduced into the slit are held 'by their respective rods10c, 10d and 10e and the edge of the preceding coin, so that each of thecoins successively connects that one of the rods 10c, 10d and 10e it hasjust engaged with to the rod 9 through itself and the coins previouslyheld in their respective positions, whereupon each of the amplifiers31C, 31d and 31e produces a signal, which will be applied to the counter34. The illustrated embodiment is so arranged that five coins are to beheld in the slit 1. If more coins are introduced into it, they are allrejected through the side opening 11.

Suppose that the counter 34 be so arranged that when five signals areapplied to its input, it produces an output signal. Then, when the lastcoin C5 contacts the rod 10e, thereby connecting this rod to the rod 9through all the five coins that are held there, that is, when theamplifier 31e gives an output signal to the counter 34, the latterproduces a signal at its output 35, which signal may be detected by anysuitable known means to recognize that a predetermined number of coinshave now been stored in the slit 1. In automatic vending machines, sucha signal may be utilized to actuate means for delivering a piece ofgoods on sale to the hand of the buyer.

When the counting operation has been finished, the switch 24 is closedeither manually or automatically by any suitable means upon productionof an output signal by the counter 34. When the switch 24 is closed, thecoil 23 is energized to attract the armature 22 in the direction of thearrow Y. This causes the plate 8 t-o pivot about shaft 7 until all therods inserted into their respective holes in the plates 2 and 3 arewithdrawn therefrom and from their coin-holding position across thespace `1, whereupon the five coins losing their supports gravitateperpendioularly into the passage 26.

In automatic vending machines, when the number of coins that have beenintroduced thereinto happens to be `less than the required number, orwhen the buyer changes his min-d in the course of insert-ing coins, itis necessary to return the coins already introduced to the owner. Whensuch necessity arises, the switch 18 is closed to energize the coil 16,which attracts lthe armature 15 in the direction of the arrow X, so thatthe plates 2 and 3 together pivot about shafts 7 until the lower endopening of the slit 1 comes to be positioned right above the upperopening of the passage 27. It will be readily seen that the pivotalmovement of the plates 2 and 3 cau-ses relative withdrawal of the rodssupporting the coins from their respective holes formed in the plates 2and 3, with the result that the coins gravitate perpendicularly into thepassage 27, which may be so -arranged that the coins will be returned tothe hand of the buyer.

As described above, the circuit arrangement of FIG. 3 is such that aselectrical connection between the rod 9 and each of the other terminalrods 10a to 10e is established, a signal is applied to each of theamplifiers 31a to 31e. The `same may be effected by the arrangement ofFIG. 4, wherein only so much is shown as is related to the rods 9 and10b. Between the two rods there is connected a series combination of asource 41 and a neon tube 42. A photoconductive element 43 is connectedin the input circuit 32b of the amplifier 31b and is so disposed as tobe able to receive light from the tube 42. When the 2nd coin C2 connectsthe rods 9 and 10b through itself and the previous coin C1, the tube 42produces light. When the light is received by the element 43, the latterchanges in resistance and, consequently, current through the inputcircuit 3217 of the amplifier 31b changes to cause a signal to beproduced at the output 33b and applied to the counter 34. As will bereadily understood, the same arrangement applies with respect to the rod9 and each of the rods 10a, 10c to 10e.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, in order to clear the coins of theslit 1 after completion of the counting operation, the rear plate 8 isslightly moved about the shafts '7'. However, it is not necessary towithdraw all the rods out of their respective holes in the plates 2 and3, but either one of the lowest rods 9 and 10a only needs to bewithdrawn from their respective coin-holding position across the slit 1in order for the coin C1 to gravitate out of the slit 1, necessarilyfollowed by all the other coins.

FIG. 5 shows by way of example a device for drawing either one of thelowest two rods 9 and 10a out of their respective holes in the plates 2and 3. In this case, the rod 9 or 10a is made of magnetic substance toserve as a plunger for a coil 51 connected between terminals 53 of asource of electricity through a normally open switch 52. When the switchis closed, the coil is excited to attract the rod 9 in the direction ofthe arrow Z to be drawn out of the slit 1.

It is now believed to have become clear that the present invention hasvarious advantages such as follows: Accuracy and quickness in countingoperation is ensured through :utilization of the conductivity of coinsto be counted. It is not necessary to provide any switches to beactuated by coins and, consequently, to have a considerably large spacereserved for them, as in the prior art. This greatly reduces the size ofthe whole structure of the apparatus. In order to discharge the coinsfrom the slit after counting operation, no energy need be externallygiven to the coins and no complicated mean-s for the purpose isrequired, except that for the withdrawal of the rods from coin-holdingposition. It is also possible to return the coins already introduced tothe owner during the course of buying action.

It should be recognized that the embodiments disclosed herein are merelyrepresentative, and that modifications and changes may be made withoutdeparting from the true scope and spirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for counting the number of coins comprising:` a pair ofwall members spaced apart to define a space therebetween into whichcoins to be counted are to be introduced; a plurality of engagingmembers of electrically conductive material, each being insulated fromthe others and intended to function as an electrical terminal, saidengaging members projecting across the space between the wall membersand so arranged in a substantially zigzag pattern along the length ofthe space that the coin first to have fallen into the space is held bythe lowest two of the engaging members and the successively followingcoins are held by successive ones of the other engaging members and theedge of the previously held coin in a predetermined and fixed zigzagpattern arrangement; and counting circuit means for counting the numberof output signals produced as electrical connection is establishedbetween a specific one of the engaging members and each of the restthereof.

2. Apparatus for counting the number of coins comprising: a pair of wallmembers spaced apart to define a space therebetween into which coins tobe counted are to be introduced; a plurality of engaging members ofelectrically conductive material, each being insulated from the othersand intended to function as an electrical terminal, said engagingmembers projecting across the space between the wall members and soarranged in a substantially zigzag way along the length of the spacethat the coin first to have fallen into the space is held by the lowest-two of the engaging members and the successively following coins areheld by each of the other engaging members and the edge of thepreviously held coin; and counting circuit means for counting the numberof output signals produced as electrical connection is establishedbetween a specific one of the engaging members and each of the restthereof, said counting circuit -means including .a neon tube and aphotoconductive element, said tube being so arranged as to produce'light as electrical connection is established between said specific oneof the engaging members and each of the rest thereof, while saidphotoconductive element is s-o arranged as to receive the light from thetube and produce a signal to be applied to a counter.

3. Coin counting apparatus comprising in combination: first and secondwail members; means spacing said members apart in parallel relationshipto define a coin rcceiv ing space therebetween having an entranceopening for the receipt of coins and a discharge opening for thedischarge of coins; first and second electrically conductive coinengaging members extending into said space near said discharge openingfor engagement by the first coin of a group to be counted, theseparation between said engaging members being less than the diameter ofthe coins to be counted to thereby trap the first such coin insertedinto said space; a third electrically conductive coin engaging memberextending into said space between said rst engaging member and saidentrance opening and located a distance from said second engaging memberwhich is less than twice the diameter of coins to be counted and locatedcloser to said rst engaging member than to said second engaging member;a fourth electrically conductive engaging member extending into saidspace at a point between said second engaging member and said entranceopening and located a distance from said third member which is less thantwice the diameter of coins to be counted, said fourth member beingcloser to said entrance opening than said third member and closer tosaid second member than to said first member; means maintaining each ofsaid first, second, third, and fourth members insulated from each otherin the absence of coins; circuit means coupled -with one of said firstand second members and adapted to energize the other three of saidenga-ging members sequentially as successive coins engage a precedingcoin and one of said members; and counting means coupled with said otherthree members.

4. Coin counting apparatus comprising in combination: a pair of wallmembers spaced apart to define a substantially vertical coin receivingslot having a receiving opening and a discharge opening; first andsecond electrically conductive coin holding members disposed in saidslot and separated by a distance less than the diameter of coins to becounted; means defining a zigzag coin ho'lding space between said firstand second coin holding members and said entrance opening for holdingcoins substantially co-planar in a predetermined zigzag pattern with afirst coin being held between said first and second members andsucceeding coins engaged with the edge of a preceding coin; said meansincluding a plurality of conductive coin engaging members disposed insaid slot between said receiving opening and said first and secondmembers and alternating in relation t-o said first and then to saidsecond holding member to form a zigzag pattern thereof; circuit meansenergizing one of said holding members; and counting means coupled withthe other of said holding members and with each of said engaging membersand responsive to the successive energization thereof.

5. Apparatus as dened in claim 4 wherein adjacent ones -of :saidengaging members are separated by a distance which is less than twicethe diameter of coins to be counted.

6. Apparatus as dened in claim 4 wherein said zigzag pattern has threeturning points with one of said engaging members located at each turningpoint and a foiurth engaging member at the termination of the zigzagpattern.

7. Apparatus as dened in claim 4 wherein alternate ones of said engagingmembers 'are separated by a distance greater than the diameter of coinsto be counted, land including coin deectin'g means positioned betweenalternate ones of said engaging members to prevent the 8. coins toalways engage said engaging members in a xed sequence. Y v

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS LOUIS J. DEMBO,Primary Examiner.

RAPHAEL M. LUPO, Examiner.

passage of coins therebetween and to cause successive 15 S. H. TOLLBERG,Assistant Examiner.

1. APPARATUS FOR COUNTING THE NUMBER OF COINS COMPRISING: A PAIR OF WALLMEMBER SPACED APART TO DEFINE A SPACE THEREBETWEEN INTO WHICH COINS TOBE COUNTED ARE TO BE INTRODUCED; A PLURALITY OF ENGAGING MEMBERS OFELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE MATERIAL, EACH BEING INSULATED FROM THE OTHERSAND INTENDED TO FUNCTION AS AN ELECTRICAL TERMINAL, SAID ENGAGINGMEMBERS PROJECTING ACROSS THE SPACE BETWEEN THE WALL MEMBERS AND SOARRANGED IN A SUBSTANTIALLY ZIGZAG PATTERN ALONG THE LENGTH OF THE SPACETHAT THE COIN FIRST TO HAVE FALLEN INTO THE SPACE IS HELD BY THE LOWESTTWO OF THE ENGAGING MEMBERS AND THE SUCCESSIVELY FOLLOWING COINS AREHELD BY SUCCESSIVE ONES OF THE OTHER ENGAGING MEMBERS AND THE EDGE OFTHE PREVIOUSLY HELD COIN IN A PREDETERMINED AND FIXED ZIGZAG PATTERNARRANGEMENT; AND COUNTING CIRCUIT MEANS FOR COUNTING THE NUMBER OFOUTPUT SIGNALS PRODUCED AS ELECTRICAL CONNECTION IS ESTABLISHED BETWEENA SPECIFIC ONE OF THE ENGAGING MEMBERS AND EACH OF THE REST THEREOF.